Poster Design Inspiration

Posters have evolved into a variety of different forms, ranging from bold advertising types to minimalist designs. Whether you are a seasoned creator or just starting out, this guide is here to provide you with design ideas and inspiration for your posters.

What Are Posters?

Posters, as we know them today, originated in the 1840s and 1950s. They are typically displayed in public places for promotional purposes or used as decorative pieces on walls. Posters usually consist of textual and graphic elements that are designed to be eye-catching and informative.

Posters serve many purposes. They are commonly used by advertisers, propagandists, protesters, and other groups trying to convey a message. Additionally, posters are employed to reproduce famous works of art at a more affordable cost compared to the originals.

Types of Posters

Posters are widely used for various purposes. Here are several common types of posters:

1. Advertisement Posters

Advertisement posters are often used by brands to promote their products and services. However, they can also be used to raise awareness for social causes or campaigns.

These posters are designed to evoke emotions in viewers and persuade them to take action. They often include terms such as “specials,” “flash sales,” and “deals” to create a sense of urgency among shoppers.

2. Informative Posters

Informative posters are designed to educate viewers about a specific topic or trend. They present simple facts in an attractive manner.

Viewers tend to spend more time trying to understand the content on informational posters, so the design is typically simpler compared to other types of posters.

3. Promotional Posters

Promotional posters, such as movie and fashion posters, are commonly used to promote upcoming movies or fashion events.

A movie poster includes various details such as the release date, the name of the main character, and enticing elements to generate buzz before the big release.

4. Travel Posters

Travel posters aim to promote local tourism by showcasing the scenic attractions of a particular destination. They inspire people to travel and explore new places.

Travel posters have a long history and are usually brightly colored to attract travel enthusiasts. They highlight the most appealing attractions to spark people’s desire to visit.

5. Event Posters

Event posters do not need to provide extensive details. Their main purpose is to generate interest and awareness about an upcoming event. They typically feature a concise message that catches people’s attention and includes a call to action to encourage them to register or attend.

The design and copy of event posters must effectively communicate the audience’s expectations for the event.

Best Creative Poster Ideas for You

If you’re seeking inspiration for your poster designs, consider these creative ideas:

1. Design Poster Composition Cleverly

When dealing with multiple pieces of information on a poster, consider how you can break them up and reassemble them in a way that makes it easy for viewers to read. Think of it as putting together a puzzle.

To make it easier for viewers to read and gather information from the poster, draw their attention to the main focus and use the remaining information as supporting content dispersed throughout the design.

2. Experiment With Different Font Combinations

When it comes to choosing fonts for your posters, opt for a primary font that catches the eye and reflects the design’s tone. Additionally, select a secondary font that is easy to read for paragraphs and supporting copy.

You can experiment with different sizes and styles of fonts to find the best combination for your poster design. Ensure that the secondary copy follows the rule of thumb by choosing a style that is unobtrusive and doesn’t overshadow the main font.

3. Make Good Use of Color Punch

Color overlays can make a poster visually striking, especially when you want to create a motivational poster. Consider using an eye-catching background image and an inspiring headline.

However, be cautious not to let the images overwhelm the poster and distract viewers from the content. Pay attention to the balance between the colors and the content to maintain the poster’s priority.

4. Use Shapes and Icons for Versatility

Shapes have a significant impact on your poster design, as they evoke different emotions and help create visual hierarchy. Similarly, the use of icons is crucial.

Including icons in your design not only adds visual interest to the poster but also influences its overall tone. Placement of icons can enhance the richness of the content and contribute to the overall aesthetic.

5. Emphasize Poster Elements to Create Identity

Each element in a poster holds its own significance, and the combination and interaction between these elements can result in unexpected visual effects.

Experiment with different combinations and collisions between the elements to create a unique identity for your poster.

6. Present the Details in an Infographic

Posters offer ample space for creating infographics. Whether you are a teacher, fitness instructor, or chef, you can design an infographic poster to provide easily readable and memorable information.

Incorporate design elements such as icons, images, collages, or color-coded text to break down your message and make it engaging to read.

7. Maintain Consistent Page Margin Width

Consistency in the width of page margins gives your poster a sense of organization and professionalism. As viewers read line after line, their eyes instinctively know where to look next. This is particularly important for informational posters that require the focus to be on the content itself.

Consider using a consistent edge width as a design choice for your next poster.

8. Choose a Relevant Poster Idea

It is essential to ensure that the design of your poster is relevant to its theme or topic. Incongruent poster designs are more common than we think. For instance, a commercial poster with interesting font choices and a rich color palette may not be suitable for certain themes.

Coherence in poster design is achieved when the typeface, color choices, and design elements complement each other and serve the theme and topic effectively.

9. Focus on the Typography of the Poster

Sometimes, a poster needs to convey a significant amount of information. In such cases, typography becomes the focal point of the design.

This type of poster is ideal when you have a lot of information to communicate, such as promoting an event and needing to convey the date, time, location, and other details. Typography helps convey key messages, such as company values or mission statements, in a visually impactful way.

10. Use Lines to Your Advantage

Similar to the rule of thirds in photography, you can use invisible geometric lines to guide the reader’s eye to specific elements in your poster. These lines manipulate the composition and direction of the viewer’s attention.

Incorporating lines in typography can create visual harmony or add a touch of excitement to your poster design. Utilize lines to lead the reader’s gaze towards the elements you want them to focus on.

Design Your Own Poster With Online Poster Maker

If you want to quickly design stunning posters, consider using an online poster maker like Fotor. This web-based tool provides pre-made poster templates, saving you valuable design time.

Fotor’s online poster maker is designed for amateur and new designers. It is easy to use, simple to understand, and can be accessed for free without the need to download any software or plugins.

With these poster design inspiration ideas, you can unleash your creativity and create visually captivating posters. Experiment with different techniques, fonts, colors, and elements to design unique and impactful posters that effectively convey your message.